In the Philippines, Jenny Engranes of Dolores, Eastern Samar, prepares to plant mangrove saplings--a project of her self-help group, which is supported by Oxfam partner SIKAT. Mangroves provide nurseries for fish and help protect the coastline from the ravages of typhoons, which are becoming stronger and more frequent. “When big waves hit the mangroves," says group member Sonia Tabio, "they become smaller and slower.”
Elizabeth Stevens/Oxfam
Hamida (left) and Samina Begum measure out rice at a food bank--supported by Oxfam partner SKS--in a flood-prone community in Bangladesh. “The food bank has changed our lives,” says Samina.
Elizabeth Stevens/Oxfam
In a low-income riverside community in Gaibandha, Bangladesh, Oxfam partner SKS helped women establish a business that provides women with access to affordable fodder and supplements for their cows. "The cows used to be skinny," says Nurun Nahar, secretary of the fodder enterprise. "Now they are fatter and are giving more milk.”
Elizabeth Stevens/Oxfam
Tristan Llado, member of a fisherfolk association in Eastern Samar, the Philippines, feeds milkfish on their small fish-farm operation. Climate change is jeopardizing fishing livelihoods; Oxfam partner PDRRN is helping associations insure their harvests, protect boats, and recover equipment lost to storms. “Climate change is making insurance more important,” says association member Jeffrey Cajipo.
Elizabeth Stevens/Oxfam
Members of a women's self-help group in Eastern Samar, the Philippines--supported by Oxfam partner PDRRN--record their savings in passbooks. Pooled savings give them access to low-interest loans to make ends meet, and at times of emergency, the savings ensure families have enough to eat without resorting to predatory lenders.
Elizabeth Stevens/Oxfam
Letecia Corado, who lives on an island in Eastern Samar, the Philippines, stands in front of the boat where she helped a woman on her way to the hospital give birth. The training in disaster preparedness provided by Oxfam partner SIKAT gave her the confidence she needed to take charge. “There were about 50 people on the boat, and no one came forward to help…I kept telling myself, you can do this.”
Elizabeth Stevens/Oxfam
Members of a youth group in Barishal, Bangladesh, plant palm seedlings to prevent erosion. Supported by Oxfam partner WAVE, the group engages in an array of disaster management activities, from protecting farmland from floodwater to evacuating residents in emergencies and distributing aid. “People trust us to take their concerns to the local administration," says group president Mahadi Islam, "and to hold it accountable.”
Elizabeth Stevens/Oxfam
Members of a youth group in Barguna, Bangladesh, goof around with one of their disaster-related publications. They work on a variety of projects to keep their flood-prone community safe, including making the local evacuation shelter as secure and comfortable as possible for women. “Our work comes from the heart," says group president Hedayat Ullah.
Elizabeth Stevens/Oxfam
Dulu Begum was once an extremely shy, traditional housewife in her rural community in southern Bangladesh. With the help of Oxfam partner JAGO NARI, she has become a vocal advocate for disaster risk reduction. “When I learned to speak, it felt good," she says. "Now I have the confidence to talk to anyone.”
Elizabeth Stevens/Oxfam
